Allergy Free Zone

Researchers are developing promising new therapies that could protect millions of people with food allergies against life-threatening reactions, according to Dr. Hugh Sampson, an internationally renowned expert who spoke at the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) Connecticut Spring Educational Luncheon recently. The organization also presented its 2012 Leadership Award to Gary and Barbara Bloom of Camp Playland and Playland Nursery School for their commitment to keeping children with food allergies safe.

Potential new treatments include oral immunotherapy, which gradually desensitizes patients to problem foods, and a Chinese herbal formula that could prevent dangerous reactions to multiple food allergens, said Sampson, who is director of the Jaffee Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. These and other therapies are currently undergoing clinical trials at major medical centers.

“Food allergies affect 15 million Americans, including 5.9 million children. That’s two children in every classroom,” said Mary Jane Marchisotto, executive director FAI.

“FAI’s goal is to keep people with food allergies safe from day to day—at school, camp and in restaurants—while researchers search for a cure.”

More than 200 guests attended the luncheon, which was held at the Woodway Country Club in Darien. Jennifer Ferm and Saira Rizvi were the co-chairs. For more information about FAI Connecticut, visit www.faiusa.org.

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